Asbestos shuts two Ainslie shops

TWO upstairs businesses at Ainslie Shops have been closed by the ACT Work Safety Commissioner after a complaint from a local resident about water damage to the building‘s ceiling, which contains loose-fill asbestos.

Mark McCabe

Following the complaint a WorkSafe inspector viewed the water damage and issued Prohibition Notices to the two businesses, which are located above Edgar’s Inn.

Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe said the Prohibition Notices were issued as a precaution.

“If the cause of the water damage is not determined and fixed there is the potential for damage to the ceiling, which could allow asbestos fibres to enter the first floor premises,” Mr McCabe said.

“Air monitoring testing has been carried out by a licensed asbestos assessor. I can report that both these and dust tests have all come back below normal background levels.

“Other businesses at the Ainslie Shops are safe to operate and there is no indication of risk to the general public.”